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#DontTaxMyRide

Automotive manufacturers in the United States are protesting potential tariffs and taxes on imported auto parts with the hashtag #DontTaxMyRide.

The hashtag started trending in the automotive world just before the weekend at a rally intended to dissuade the U.S. Department of Commerce on proposed tariffs by President Donald Trump.

President Trump believes foreign auto imports are a threat to national security. If the Department of Commerce agrees, a 20% tariff will be placed on all auto imports.

Association of Global Automakers and Here for America hosted the rally. Here for America is an ally of international automakers and dealers. Here for America believes these international automakers are integral to the success of today’s U.S. auto industry as they directly employing 1.29 million Americans, and indirectly affect the employment of 7 million other auto industry professionals.

More than one hundred international auto employees pulled up to the U.S. Capitol in a caravan of American made vehicles. Also present at the rally in Washington D.C. were Members of Congress from high auto-production states: Congressman Drew Ferguson (R- GA), Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN).

“Alabama’s booming automotive industry supports 57,000 jobs and is responsible for $11 billion in exports annually,” said Senator Doug Jones in a press release (D-AL). “If enacted, the proposed tariffs could not only stifle one of our fastest growing industries, but they could threaten the livelihood of millions of Americans who depend on this industry to provide for themselves and their families.”

On social media, automakers were very vocal about #DontTaxMyRide. Kia, Honda and Toyota are all against any potential tariffs. Honda employees were at the rally and on twitter said these tariffs would have a huge negative impact on sales.